Cape May, NJ is best seen driving around town.
Even rest areas can be scenic
I cannot sing the praises of road trips enough!! They are an absolute blast and the BEST way to see the USA. A road trip can be a "day trip" or a month or more on the open road. The discoveries you find along the way are priceless. The people you meed, the food you can sample, the stores, and markets you stumble across are the best part of the trip. The Journey is often better than the Destination.
While driving around, keep eyes and ears peeled for neat-o things that are NOT on any map or guidebook. In 2009, we are passing through Crescent City, California on a road trip from Seattle, Washington to Sacramento, California. This was a three-day drive, pretty manageable for most families. We were in town for a quick over-night at a KOA Camping Cabin in a local campground. http://koa.com/ways-to-stay/camping-cabins/
We went into town for dinner and found this incredible playground and this tree trunk was plopped right in the middle of the park. The giant sequoia tree fell down over 50 years ago. They moved a section of it into the main city park of Crescent City, California. We had never seen nor climbed around a tree trunk this large. WOW! No one told us to go there, most people have never heard of Crescent City, California. We still talk about this park and this tree over eight years later. We simply found it on our own because we our eyes were open.
Finding this giant tree trunk in Crescent City, California was unexpected.
I was fortunate that I was effectively raised in the car...my parents drove me from Indiana to California at six weeks of age. We practically followed Route 66. Riding in the car for hours at stretch was normal in my family. Getting kids used to riding in the car at a young age is critical for family travel later in later years. Kid music and snacks are obvious solutions. I am not a believer in videos, kids get enough television at home yet with phones and video games, its hard to avoid. If videos are how you survive long car rides, go for it!
Travel by car is intimidating if you are worried about getting lost or broken down on the side of the road. This is a major fear for many, so much so that they avoid areas where they are unfamiliar. This is a shame as getting lost can be some of the most fun you can have...it can also get you killed. So how do you figure out how to get the good kind of lost and avoid the bad kind? These are classic pieces of advice:
- Stick to major thoroughfares, numbered highways, and roads where you can get help should you get into trouble. Basically where you can be seen and/or found, and usually cell service is available.
- Keep at least 1/4 of a tank of gas in your car at all times, flares, and jumper cables.
- Invest in AAA or other roadside assistance.
- Keep our phone car charger handy so you can always call for help.
- Carry a basic USA paper map book in your car at all times. It has saved the day for me countless times.
- Keep an eye on the weather, extreme weather should be avoided. Get a hotel and wait it out. Your life is not worth it and even if you only ended up in a minor fender bender, the deductible is probably more than a cheap hotel.
- Be wary of shortcuts if you are not 100% sure of your surroundings. This can lead to SERIOUS danger in terms of being lost driving in wilderness areas. Roads are not always accessible and you could run out of gas.
- Keep water, blankets, and food in the car at all times, you could have a LONG wait if you end up lost and/or end up in a disabled car, and are in need of someone to come and get you.
- Let someone know your general plan for your trip if you are a solo traveler. That way if you get lost and cannot communicate, someone knows your expected route and when/where you left, are due to arrive at your destination. Check in with them frequently.
- Know yourself: Drive better in the morning? Then don't drive late at night.
- Travel in new/unknown areas during daylight. Rural areas may be VERY dark and with minimal signage.
- Learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Don't leave your car running/idling in snow banks or other constrained areas. You could fall asleep and never wake up. http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
- Stating the obvious: don't drink and drive, don't text and drive, use hands free for calls.
Another issue is being bored in the car and uncomfortable. This may be based on what kind of car you are driving/riding in, some seats can cause serious butt fatigue. Other cars create a bumpy ride or are loud. The quality of the radio/sound system matters. Truckers and others who spend a long time driving or commuting invest in things like satellite radio, books on CD/MP3, healthy snacks, etc. Taking breaks and not trying to cover too much ground in one day are wise ideas.
Lastly, the main reason to take a flight to a destination is speed. You can get there faster. In a car, you can see more and treat the journey as part of the fun. Getting there can be half or more of the fun.
Wildlife is not visible by airplane.
Neither are rainbows...